The Muaythai industry is hit hard by the current political turmoil as foreign tourists are cancelling trips to Thailand.

Promoters at the Lumpini and Ratchadamnern stadiums said the situation has scared away the international tourists who are the main source of income of the two largest Thai stadiums. The Ratchadamnern Stadium, in particular, has for months been affected by the prolonged rally of the anti-government People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) who settled on Ratchadamnern Avenue not far from the stadium.

The PAD has move away to camp out the captured Government House and other sites, while pro-government supporters have also taken Sanam Luang. The two groups clashed on September 2 and hours later the prime minister declared a state of emergency.

The decrease of the tourists has resulted in major losses to the stadiums and the promoters, which, in turns, affected the fighters and the whole industry.

Promoters are reluctant to organize major events as they fear financial losses. In longer term, the stadiums may decide to cancel certain events permanently.